Cyanochen cyanoptera

(Rüppell, 1845)

Vernacular names
English : Blue-winged goose
French : Cyanoie à ailes bleues

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Anseriformes
Family : Anatidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
This species can reach a body length of 75 cm for a weight of 2.3 kg, male being larger than female. Plumage is grey, becoming brown-grey on wings and belly with mottling on lower breast. Powder-blue upper wings coverts. Black tail.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in Eastern Africa and is endemic to the Highlands of Ethiopia. Lives in grasslands and pastures near lakes and rivers, from 1400 to 4500 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species remains locally common but has a restricted range and is vulnerable to drainage and conversion of breeding grounds. Locally hunted.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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